Jeff shares 25 years of senior nonprofit management and executive leadership experience. With a master’s degree in teaching that focused on humane education, Jeff’s work includes heading up two animal sanctuaries and one companion animal shelter. Passionate about the cause of The Dog Aging Institute, Jeff loves helping both dogs and people — and at the Institute, he gets to do both at the same time.

Jeff lives in upstate New York’s countryside with his family and one beloved, senior golden retriever named Holly.

Cryss brings a lifelong passion for animals to her role as Operations Manager at The Dog Aging Institute. Her background includes hands-on veterinary care, regulatory compliance, STEM education, and large‑scale scientific program management. She holds a Master of Wildlife Science from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Wittenberg University, grounding her work in strong scientific training.

Cryss also volunteers with local animal rescue organizations and shares her Kentucky home with two senior rescue dogs (both full of personality and always ready to snuggle), a spicy crested gecko, and a very opinionated cat who keeps everyone in line.

Heather’s career began in architecture, but her lifelong devotion to helping animals led to finding her passion and purpose in animal welfare, with roles at Asheville Humane Society and The Grey Muzzle Organization. She is now grateful to be part of the team at The Dog Aging Institute, championing research to help dogs live longer, healthier lives.

Heather has adopted many senior dogs, several still enjoying life in their forever “retirement home.” She is also a wildlife rehabber caring for orphaned fawns and opossums. She lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with her husband and their menagerie of pets.